Military vet to challenge Benishek

Jerry Cannon, a Vietnam veteran who went on to serve in the National Guard, including a stint at Guantanamo Bay, announced on Tuesday that he will mount a Democratic bid in Michigan’s First District, challenging GOP Rep. Dan Benishek.

Benishek, in his second term, narrowly won reelection in a northern Michigan district that includes Traverse City. Cannon kicked off his race with campaign events there and in Marquette on Tuesday, reports said.

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Cannon, a former sheriff, was a member of the Michigan Army National Guard and served in places including Guantanamo and Iraq.

“I’m frustrated,” he said in a statement. “Politicians in Washington, like our congressman, have forgotten why they were sent there — to create jobs and work for the middle class.”